Navigating the vast, rugged landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2 is an experience defined by your companion. Your horse is more than just transport; it’s your partner in exploration, combat, and survival. Choosing the right steed is crucial, and while the game offers a rich variety of breeds, a few stand out as the definitive Best Horses Rdr2 Story Mode has to offer. Whether you prioritize speed, health, or courage under fire, this guide will help you find the perfect equine ally for Arthur Morgan’s journey.
The world of RDR2 features 19 distinct horse breeds, each with unique coats and characteristics, bringing the total number of variations to over 60. You can acquire them from stables, tame them in the wild, or, in some cases, “borrow” them from others. Understanding their core attributes—Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration—is the first step to finding your ideal mount. While personal preference plays a role, certain horses possess superior stats that make them undeniable champions of the open range. For those exploring the complexities of animal companionship in the game, it’s interesting to consider the different roles animals play, not unlike the discussion around horses in rdr2 story.
The Arabian: The Elite All-Rounder
When discussing the top-tier horses in the game, the Arabian breed is always at the forefront. Renowned for their “Superior” class and “Elite” handling, they offer an unparalleled combination of intelligence, speed, and agility. These horses are incredibly responsive, making them a joy to ride through dense forests or chaotic gunfights. Their stats are consistently high across the board, making them fantastic all-rounders for any situation you might face.
White Arabian: The Ghost of the Mountains
The most sought-after horse for many players is the legendary White Arabian. What makes it so special? It’s the only elite-tier horse you can acquire for free, right from Chapter 2. This majestic steed can be found in the wild, testing your skills as a horseman to tame it.
- Location: Found roaming the northwestern bank of Lake Isabella in the snowy region of Grizzlies West.
- Stats: Boasts excellent base stats in Health, Stamina, Speed, and Acceleration that, when fully bonded, make it one of the fastest and most agile horses available.
- Taming: Approaching the White Arabian requires immense patience. You must move slowly, calming it constantly to avoid spooking it. Once you mount it, be prepared for a fight as you break it in. The reward, however, is a top-class horse that will save you over a thousand dollars.
Other Arabian Coats
While the White Arabian is a free treasure, two other coats are available for purchase later in the game. The Black Arabian becomes available at the Saint Denis stable from Chapter 4, and the stunning Rose Gray Bay Arabian can be purchased from the Blackwater stable in the epilogue. Both offer slight statistical advantages over their wild counterpart, representing the pinnacle of what money can buy.
A majestic White Arabian horse standing proudly against the snowy, mountainous backdrop of Lake Isabella in Red Dead Redemption 2.
The Turkoman: The Fearless War Horse
While Arabians are nimble and swift, they can be skittish and prone to bucking you off in a predator attack or a heavy firefight. If you need a mount with more grit and courage, look no further than the Turkoman. This breed is a unique mix of War and Race horse, resulting in a steed that is both fast and incredibly brave.
According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sarah Miller, “The Turkoman’s in-game temperament reflects a war horse’s desirable traits. They are less likely to flee from the sound of gunfire, making them a reliable partner in combat scenarios where a steady presence is invaluable.”
Key Attributes
Turkomans have excellent Health, good Speed, and solid Acceleration. Their high health pool means they can withstand more damage than most other top-tier horses, a critical advantage during ambushes or while hunting legendary animals. While their handling is standard, not elite like the Arabian, their bravery more than compensates.
- Gold Coat: Available at the Saint Denis stable from Chapter 4.
- Silver Coat: Can be purchased at the Tumbleweed stable during the epilogue.
- Dark Bay Coat: Found at the Blackwater stable during the epilogue.
These horses are expensive, but their performance justifies the price tag for any outlaw who regularly finds themselves in trouble. This debate over performance versus cost is central to the question of what is the best horse in rdr2 story.
The Missouri Fox Trotter: The King of Speed and Stamina
For those who value raw speed and endurance above all else, the Missouri Fox Trotter is the undisputed champion. This breed boasts the best base Speed stat in the game, combined with a massive Stamina pool, making it the ultimate horse for traversing the enormous map quickly and efficiently. If you have a lot of ground to cover, this is the horse for you.
Classified as a multi-class Race and Work horse, the Missouri Fox Trotter is built for the long haul. It won’t tire easily, allowing you to maintain a high gallop for incredible distances. Its stats are well-rounded, with good Health and excellent Acceleration complementing its top-tier Speed.
How to Acquire a Missouri Fox Trotter
Unfortunately, these magnificent horses cannot be found in the wild. They must be purchased from stables later in the game.
- Amber Champagne Coat: Becomes available at the Scarlett Meadows stable starting in Chapter 4.
- Silver Dapple Pinto Coat: Available at the Blackwater stable during Epilogue 1.
The investment of around $950 is significant, but for players who prioritize getting from point A to point B in the shortest time possible, there is no better choice. For many players, having one of these makes it feel like you have the rdr2 best story mode horse available.
Honorable Mentions: Other Great Steeds
While the “big three” dominate the conversation, several other breeds are more than capable of serving you well throughout your adventure.
Dutch Warmblood
A reliable workhorse with a good balance of stats. The Cremello Gold Dutch Warmblood, Buell, is a unique and beautiful horse you can obtain by completing “The Veteran” stranger missions with Hamish Sinclair. It’s a fantastic and free reward for seeing that storyline through to the end. These are some of the best horses in rdr2 story mode for players who value a story-driven acquisition.
American Standardbred
If you’re looking for a pure racehorse early in the game, the American Standardbred is an excellent and affordable option. They have great speed and acceleration, making them perfect for sprints, though their lower health and stamina make them less ideal for long journeys or heavy combat.
Arthur Morgan riding a powerful Missouri Fox Trotter across the plains of The Heartlands in Red Dead Redemption 2, showcasing the horse's speed.
Understanding Horse Bonding
No matter which horse you choose, its true potential is only unlocked through bonding. As you ride, feed, pat, and groom your horse, your bonding level will increase from 1 to 4. Each level grants significant stat boosts, including increases to Health and Stamina, and unlocks new maneuvers like rearing, drifting, and piaffing. A level 4 bond with even a mid-tier horse can make it feel significantly more capable and responsive. Remember, understanding how many horses can you have in rdr2 story mode is important for managing your stable and deciding which horses to bond with.
A fully bonded horse is a different animal entirely. Its whistle range increases dramatically, and it becomes braver in the face of danger. Investing time in your horse is just as important as the initial choice of breed.
Final Verdict
So, what are the absolute best horses RDR2 story mode has to offer?
- Best All-Rounder: The Arabian (specifically the free White Arabian) offers an unbeatable package of speed, agility, and elite handling.
- Best for Combat: The Turkoman is the superior choice for gunslingers, thanks to its high health and unwavering bravery.
- Best for Travel: The Missouri Fox Trotter is the king of the road, with unmatched speed and stamina for crossing the map.
Ultimately, the best horse is the one that fits your playstyle. Whether you choose the elegant Arabian, the steadfast Turkoman, or the swift Missouri Fox Trotter, your journey through the dying days of the Wild West will be richer for the bond you forge with your four-legged companion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest horse in RDR2 Story Mode?
The Missouri Fox Trotter breed has the highest base Speed stat in the game. When fully bonded and equipped with a top-tier saddle, it is the fastest horse for long-distance travel.
Can you get the best horses early in the game?
Yes. You can find and tame the elite White Arabian horse near Lake Isabella as early as Chapter 2. This gives you access to a top-tier horse for the vast majority of the game without spending any money.
Does the horse’s gender matter in RDR2?
No, the gender of your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is purely cosmetic and has no impact on its stats, performance, or temperament.
What happens if my main horse dies?
If your horse is critically injured, you may be able to revive it with a Horse Reviver tonic. However, if it dies permanently, you will lose it forever, along with the bonding level you achieved. It’s crucial to keep Horse Revivers on hand for your prized mounts.
How do I improve my horse’s stats?
The primary way to improve stats is by increasing your bonding level. Additionally, equipping better saddles and stirrups, which can be purchased at stables, provides significant boosts to your horse’s Speed, Acceleration, and Stamina core drain rates.
